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February 26, 2004
Purdue Ag Alumni Association honors 7
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue University Agricultural Alumni Association recognized seven individuals on Feb. 7 during its annual Purdue Ag Alumni Fish Fry for significant contributions to their profession, agriculture and to society.
Since 1938 the ag alumni association has awarded the Certificate of Distinction, its highest honor, to those who have had a significant impact on the agricultural profession.
The 2004 certificate recipients are Max Armstrong of Napierville, Ill.; James N. BeMiller of West Lafayette, Ind.; Otto C. Doering III of West Lafayette, Ind.; F. Vince Harrell of Wabash, Ind.; William "Bill" Stinson of Indianapolis; Henry "Hank" A. Wadsworth of West Lafayette, Ind.; and Ted Woehrle of Troy, Mich.
Armstrong is one of the most widely recognized agricultural radio and television journalists in America. He co-hosts the "U.S. Farm Report" weekly television broadcast and for 26 years was heard daily across the Midwest on WGN Radio's "Noon Show." Armstrong has originated broadcasts from every state in the country and at least 30 other nations. Working with toy manufacturer Ertl, he created the Super Series of Farmall tractors and donated many of these sets to local fund-raising auctions. Armstrong, who supports youth development through 4-H and FFA, was recognized by the late Gov. Frank O'Bannon in 2002 with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, the state's highest civilian honor.
BeMiller, who received his bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in biochemistry from Purdue, established the Whistler Center for Carbohydrate Research and served as its first director from 1986 until last year. His research includes work in wood pulping to prevent pulp loss and river pollution. His work on starch granule structure, reactivity and behavior also has had an impact on the food industry. BeMiller served as president of the 4,000 member American Association of Cereal Chemists.
Doering, a Purdue professor of agricultural economics, has spent time as a visiting professor and held multiple posts within the U.S. Department of Agriculture working in the areas of public policy. Doering has brought groups and individuals with divergent interests together and promoted education on important economic and policy issues. He has been recognized with national awards from the American Agricultural Economics Association for both Extension and teaching and has received the Purdue Cooperative Extension Career Award.
Harrell, who received his bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from Purdue in 1966, was honored for bringing strategic planning to farmers during his 24-year career as county educator with the Purdue Cooperate Extension Service in Wabash County. He helped develop and teach the Positioning the Farm Business Workshop, which benefited many farmers. The National Association of County Agricultural Agents twice awarded him the Distinguished Service Award in Farm Management. Since his retirement, Harrell has continued to be involved in local 4-H programs in his community.
Stinson, executive director of the Indiana State Fair, has been skilled in seeking and getting funds, grants in aid and government grants in order to fund a systematic remodeling and rebuilding of the state fairgrounds. He played a role in updating and enhancing the Pioneer Village and the West and East pavilions. In addition, he raised money for improvement of the 4-H boys dorm and 4-H Exhibit Hall. Stinson also served as assistant to two U.S. congressmen, was chief deputy of Marion County voter registration and director in the Indiana Secretary of the State's Office.
Wadsworth was in Purdue's agricultural economics department for 11 years and then left to serve at Cornell University and Oregon State University. He returned to Purdue as director of the Cooperative Extension Service and associate dean of the School of Agriculture in 1983 until his retirement in 1999. Wadsworth led the reorganization of the state's Extension districts. In his retirement, Wadsworth continues to use his skills on the Museums at Prophetstown project, Food Finders in the Lafayette area and is active in the Federated Church in West Lafayette.
Woehrle received his bachelor's degree in agronomy and turf science from Purdue in 1954 and served as golf course superintendent at four country clubs. Woehrle's record of being host superintendent for nine Professional Golfers' Association and United States Golf Association sanctioned tournaments over a period of four decades is unprecedented. He has been an active member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America for many years and in 1997 served as president of this organization of more than 21,000 golf professionals. Through his leadership, the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation has supported turf research at Purdue. Woehrle has mentored more than 30 young superintendents and many student interns during his career.
Writer: Julie Douglas, (765) 494-8402, douglajk@purdue.edu
Source: Donya Lester, (765) 494-8593, lesterd@purdue.edu
Note to Journalists: For photos of the honorees, contact Beth Forbes, Purdue Agricultural Communication, at (765) 494-2722, forbes@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, bforbes@aes.purdue.edu
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